Otto Schramm, one of the best-known citizens of Sugar Creek township, Hancock county, Indiana, resides on his excellent farm in that township which has the distinction of having always been the property of the Schramm family. It was pre-empted from the government by his grandfather, Jacob Schramm,. The original deed conveying to him being signed by President Andrew Jackson. This land, which was then a complete wilderness, has through the years been brought up to a high state of cultivation and the primitive cabin home has given place to a modern nine-room residence. This residence was erected in later years by the original owner, but has been modernized by the present representative of the family.

Otto Shramm first saw the light of day on this old homestead, which is about four miles northwest of New Palestine, on May 28, 1878, son of Gustav and Nannie (Rosener) Schramm. Gustav Schramm was born on the same place, October 6, 1838, and died at Cumberland, March 18, 1912, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, Nannie Rosener, was born on January 21, 1846, and died on June 30, 1907, when sixty-one years old. Gustav Schramm was a son of Jacob and Johanna (Yunghans) Schramm, both of whom were born in Germany, where they married, and immigrated to this country about 832.

Otto Schramm passed his boyhood and youth on the old homestead, pursuing his studies at the German school and after completing his studies at that institution, he graduated in the common schools. He remained at home, assisting his father and did not marry until thirty years of age. On June 21, 1908, he was united in matrimony with Amalia Markworth, born at Wyandotte, Michigan, near Detroit, December 6, 1884, a daughter of Godfrey and Marie (Brinkmeir) Markworth. Godfrey Markworth is a native of Perry county, Missouri, while his wife was born in Germany, and both now make their home with Mr. Schramm. After marriage Otto Schramm brought his bide to the old homestead and there they have continued to reside. Four children have been born to them: Armin, born on May 2, 1909; Esther, July 26, 1910; Norma, January 24, 1913, and Gustav, February 11, 1914.

Mr. Schramm carries on general farming along methods most approved by scientific investigation and attributes his success in his business to the fact that he keeps the fertility of his land up to the highest standard by feeding all the grain produced on the place and selling the live stock. He average about thirteen head of dairy cattle, some of which are high grade Polled Durhams, keeps six to eight head of good grade Percheron draft horses and feeds annually for the market about sixty hogs. By balancing his grain production and live stock in the manner described, he keeps his land in excellent condition and his yield per acre of corn and other grain runs a little higher than the average.

Mr. Schramm and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, which society he has served as treasurer and trustee. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, but is really independent in his inclinations. He takes more than a passive interest in public affairs and has served as secretary-treasurer of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company. In all things he is highly progressive and respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Page 1108-1109.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI November 17, 2001.

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